Joystiq

Tony Hawk says Ride was 'a bit rushed,' still thinks critics didn't give his board a chance

David Hinkle — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 20:15:00 EST

Even after all this time, Tony Hawk's stance is firm regarding the poorly received Shred and Ride games. He thinks critics made up their mind before giving the games and associated peripheral an honest chance -- even in the case of Ride, which he admits "was a bit rushed" due to time spent prototyping the board.

Continue reading Tony Hawk says Ride was 'a bit rushed,' still thinks critics didn't give his board a chance

Tony Hawk says Ride was 'a bit rushed,' still thinks critics didn't give his board a chance originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dead Space's Isaac Clarke playable in Skate 3

David Hinkle — Sat, 22 May 2010 05:30:00 EST

Got Skate 3? Want to bust kickflips as everyone's favorite outer space engineer, Isaac Clarke? By inputting the code "deadspacetoo" into the Cheats area under the Extras section, you'll unlock the Dead Space protagonist for use in Free Play mode. Who knew he could be so nimble in that outfit?

Keen observers may notice Clarke riding on a futuristic board. That's because, by inputting the code, you'll also gain the new deck. Sorry, it's non-transferable between skaters -- we tried.

Dead Space's Isaac Clarke playable in Skate 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 May 2010 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: Skate 3

David Hinkle — Tue, 11 May 2010 09:55:00 EST

Skate 3 has been touted as a social experience ever since it was announced, encouraging players to "team up" and "throw down," all in the name of being the best skateboard crew around. It's a new focus for the series, but if you're going to justify your sequel with a single feature, that feature had better work well.

Gallery: Skate 3

Continue reading Review: Skate 3

Review: Skate 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 May 2010 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skate 3: Good times with product placement

Mike Schramm — Fri, 07 May 2010 06:33:00 EST

Self-identification through product choice is a mainstay of the skateboarding scene, from t-shirts to shoes to skate decks to the soundtracks on skate videos. It's all part of the culture, so it's only fitting that a skateboarding game - say, Skate 3 - shares in that. To celebrate this common thread, let's play spot the product placement after the break!

Continue reading Skate 3: Good times with product placement

Skate 3: Good times with product placement originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 May 2010 06:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skate 3's first TV spot borrows inspiration from Middle-Earth

Ben Gilbert — Sat, 01 May 2010 21:00:00 EST

In a commercial for a skateboarding game, you might think that the folks featured wouldn't draw aesthetic inspiration from warring factions in a Tolkien story, but that's exactly what Skate 3's first TV advert brought to our minds this morning. Sure, there's a bit of gameplay video thrown in, but most of it centers on the much talked about online friend system by way of uniting skateboarders, apparently under an umbrella of brutality.

With a demo already available and the game's May 11 release date fast approaching, we're not sure you need much more to get you on board for Skate 3, but we'd suggest checking out the commercial just to see what happens at the end. Now you have to watch! Ha!

Gallery: Skate 3

Skate 3's first TV spot borrows inspiration from Middle-Earth originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 May 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skate 3 video gets by with a little help from some friends

David Hinkle — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 21:00:00 EST

EA has been pushing the community aspects of Skate 3 since unveiling the game, and this latest trailer is no different. Focusing on the Freeskating mode, the video demonstrates how easy it is to hook up with some friends and navigate the different parts of Port Carverton. For the most part, these are things players could do in Skate 2 -- been there, done that.

But there is one interesting item of note here: the team films. The trailer only briefly touches on that functionality near the end, which, come May 11, will grant foursomes their own 15 clicks of fame via the official Skate website. Gnarly!

Skate 3 video gets by with a little help from some friends originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skate 3 trailer takes us to the urban playground

David Hinkle — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 00:30:00 EST

Here's the thing about this Skate 3 trailer: it's freakin' nuts. Does it have narration from Skateboard Sense? Check. How about some raw meat grinding a huge ledge? Yup, it's there. What about a brief section where some dude goes crazy, pounding everyone around him with a skateboard? How about zombies and big heads and tons of bails and -- okay, you get the picture.

It's probably the most non sequitur trailer we've seen in a while and definitely the craziest Skate 3 trailer yet. Check it out above.

Skate 3 trailer takes us to the urban playground originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Apr 2010 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skate 3 demo now on Xbox Live for all Gold members

David Hinkle — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 11:30:00 EST

As promised, a demo for EA Black Box's latest, Skate 3, is available for download today on Xbox Live. The demo weighs in at a hefty 862.54MB and features a Skate School section with Coach "Jason Lee" Frank, as well as a few different and online team challenges.

As with the Skate 2 demo, there's a ticking clock as soon as you start -- 20 minutes total gameplay -- so keep that in mind when going for that ultra sick grind. Unlike the Skate 2 demo, however, you can restart the whole thing right from inside the demo itself.

Xbox.com: Add the Skate 3 demo to your Xbox 360 download queue (FREE)

Skate 3 demo now on Xbox Live for all Gold members originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skate 3 'Hall of Meat' trailer understands comedy

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 17:10:00 EST

We think it's great when video games make stabs at humor with a timely pop culture reference or pithy back-and-forths between its characters. However, the Skate franchise has always had its finger on a direct line to our funny bone with its "Hall of Meat" mode, in which skaters hurt themselves in the most unimaginably hilarious ways possible. Judging by the trailer above, Skate 3 will further increase the game's capacity for laughing-out-loudz by adding a few more aerial maneuvers and allowing your characters to push themselves off the ground post-crash.

The developers have also refined the "jump off a building and judo kick an unaware pedestrian on the street below" mechanic, which might just be our favorite feature in any game ever, ever released.

Skate 3 'Hall of Meat' trailer understands comedy originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skate 3 demo highlighted in new trailer

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 18:40:00 EST

The Skate 3 demo first revealed at PAX East last month has now been officially announced by EA. The demo, which arrives on Xbox Live and PSN on April 15 (just in time for tax day!), will let players show off their skating skills in the game's University District. The demo will include both single-player and multiplayer challenges including Own the Lot, Domination and Hall of Meat. If you'd rather work on your not-constantly-falling-over skills, the demo features the new Skate.School mode as well.

Players can also appease their inner skate park designer by dropping up to 24 different objects into the demo. And, as if all that wasn't enough, the Skate.Reel feature is included as well, allowing players to upload their epic runs -- or epic bails, as the case may be -- for all their friends to witness. Check out a trailer for the demo above.

Skate 3 demo highlighted in new trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Interview: Skate 3's Chris "Cuz" Perry

David Hinkle — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 12:28:00 EST

At PAX East, we managed to bend the ear of Chris "Cuz" Perry, one of the Skate series' producers -- you know, the dude from those developer diary videos? Yeah, him. He was rocking the Skate 3 booth, showing off the game, so we did what we do best: cornered him and started firing off questions. See what he had to say below!

Could you tell us what your name and position is?

My full name is Chris Perry and I'm a producer on Skate.

You guys really kept up support for Skate 2 through DLC long after the game came out. Is that something you plan to do with Skate 3?

Official policy is that we can't talk about that, but it sounds like it's a good idea!

Gallery: Skate 3

Continue reading Interview: Skate 3's Chris "Cuz" Perry

Interview: Skate 3's Chris "Cuz" Perry originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hands-on: Skate 3 and its new difficulty levels

David Hinkle — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 14:45:00 EST

We've covered Skate 3's new focus on co-operative challenges, managing a team of skaters and selling some skateboards -- but the raw experience of getting on the virtual board and busting tricks, not much has changed significantly. And that's why the new difficulty levels were such an interesting addition for me.

Gallery: Skate 3

Continue reading Hands-on: Skate 3 and its new difficulty levels

Hands-on: Skate 3 and its new difficulty levels originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 Mar 2010 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skate 3 demo on Xbox Live and PSN April 15

David Hinkle — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 14:45:00 EST

While visiting the Skate 3 booth here at PAX today, we were handed a few stickers. In fact, the front of the stickers weren't even the interesting part, as the back revealed a demo is set to bust mad trixx on Xbox Live and PSN on April 15. Not too surprising, considering the first two games also offered a taste before their respective releases.

Skate 3 demo on Xbox Live and PSN April 15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Mar 2010 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Skate 3 ramps up user-created content

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 14:25:00 EST

If we told you that the user creation tools in Skate 3 were robust, we'd be selling the game short. From the highly customizable skate parks (that can be shared online) to the revamped graphics creator, there's no doubt that the devs at Black Box have upped the ante on user creation in a significant way.

While there's always the worry that the Skate franchise could start packing in a bit too much (the Tony Hawk-ization of Skate, if you will), it looks like the folks in charge of improving the annual franchise know to keep the game focused on skateboarding culture and real physics. We'll be checking out the game this weekend at PAX East, so look for a more thorough opinion soon (and feel free to tell us in the comments below what you want to know about the game).

Gallery: Skate 3

Video: Skate 3 ramps up user-created content originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skate 3's 'Skate School' as taught by Coach Frank

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:15:00 EST

There's nothing quite as satisfying as learning how to skateboard from a crazy old coot named Coach Frank (as played by ex-pro skateboarder Jason Lee -- you know, the guy from Mallrats?). Experts that they are, the folks at EA developer Black Box are well aware of the attraction, and they've employed the character to teach Skate 3's "Skate School" mode.

Frank acts as a framework for the fleshed out Skate 3 tutorial, teaching players how to nail tricks and polish their execution -- it probably helps that he's full of goofy, if occasionally awkward, humor to lighten up the mood as well. And hey, if we learned anything from the previous two Skate games, we're going to be spending a ton of time just figuring out how to ollie without faceplanting over and over (and over), so we could use the levity.

Gallery: Skate 3

Skate 3's 'Skate School' as taught by Coach Frank originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skate 3 rolls in on May 11

JC Fletcher — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:40:00 EST

EA has narrowed down the May release date for Skate 3. On May 11, North Americans will once again have the opportunity to channel any interest in real, dangerous skateboarding into a nice, safe, sedentary video game. The game will be available May 14 "worldwide."

EA has also revealed the roster of skaters that will appear in the game, including ... a bunch of guys whose names you'll totally recognize if you're into skateboarding -- as well as My Name is Earl star and former pro skater Jason Lee, in his Coach Frank persona.

Skate 3 rolls in on May 11 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sims 3: World Adventures, Skate It announced for iPhone

David Hinkle — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:00:00 EST

Click image to flip through some screens

EA's going iPhone crazy -- well, OK, maybe not crazy, but it's revealed today in a press release that entries in two of its ongoing series are destined for the touchy-feely handheld. The first item is The Sims 3: World Adventures, an expansion to the surprisingly addictive The Sims 3. It'll feature 52 new goals, four new mini-games and new "personas, careers and quests." You'll also be able to use your Sims between the two games, in case you've grown awkwardly attached to your virtual pals like we have.

Then there's Skate It, a port of the skateboarding series that sounds like it keeps most of the features of its console brethren. There's a career mode and customization options for both characters and skate decks, a film feature that lets you capture footage and there's even support for custom soundtracks -- because hitting that spot you found on skafari is so much better when you've got "Caribbean Queen" bumping in your ears.

Sadly, EA doesn't provide a price point for each, though Skate It is revealed for "May 2010." In the meanwhile, allow us to help you pass the time with some screens in the galleries below.

Gallery: The Sims 3: World Adventures (iPhone)

Gallery: Skate It (iPhone)

Sims 3: World Adventures, Skate It announced for iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skate 3 cover revealed (plus: new dev diary and screens)

David Hinkle — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 22:00:00 EST

Click image to ollie into our gallery

So, there it is: the Skate 3 box art. There certainly is a lot less white space this time around, eh?

Along with that, EA's also sent over a new developer diary and a handful of new screens for you to look at. The developer diary offers a look at the clean, wide-open spaces of the University district in Port Carverton -- an area not only home to various ledges and long staircases, but it's also the new resting place of the Mega Park, the series' ongoing hot-spot for huge, ridiculous air and impossible drop-ins. Head past the break to check it out.

Gallery: Skate 3 (02.25.2010)

Continue reading Skate 3 cover revealed (plus: new dev diary and screens)

Skate 3 cover revealed (plus: new dev diary and screens) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skate 3 hands-on: co-op career mode

Randy Nelson — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST

We'd heard how EA was hoping to evolve its successful skateboarding franchise by introducing team play in Skate 3, which is due in May. Last week, we finally got to try it for ourselves. While it was admittedly only a small part of what looked to be a fairly meaty experience, the co-op play was surprisingly fun.

After an introduction by members of the Black Box development team, we got to team up with a couple other journos and hit the abundant pavement of Port Carverton. We played as the host for a three-player game, and, as such, had the ability to access a sub-menu that showed the various locations within the game world and the team challenge types available at each. We could then either move the team there, or put it up for a vote.

Gallery: Skate 3 (02-15-10)

Continue reading Skate 3 hands-on: co-op career mode

Skate 3 hands-on: co-op career mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skate Reel servers totally bailing in March

Richard Mitchell — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:30:00 EST

A quick note for anyone out there still clinging to the first iteration of EA's Skate: It's time to move on. EA has updated the page for Skate's Reel service, which allows users to upload and share videos of their in-game exploits. The update reads, quite simply, "Servers for the skate.Reel feature will be shut down on March 1st, 2010." It also notes that the game itself will still function properly, but users will no longer be able to upload videos to share either in-game or via the Skate website.

As tipster Cal points out, there are some Achievements related to uploading videos, so you'd better start capturing those sweet runs and massive bails before it's too late.

Skate Reel servers totally bailing in March originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Latest Skate 3 dev diary shreds the industrial park, quarry

David Hinkle — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:40:00 EST

The second in an ongoing series of Skate 3 developer diaries where dudes sit around on a couch like a bunch of Chatty Cathys, this latest episode features one of the most ambitious locales to make its way into a Skate game: a quarry. Looking more like a multiplayer map from Modern Warfare 2 than a sweet spot to bust some darkslides, we're anxious to see if the execution will be up to snuff. If so, it'll be among the most unique and diverse spots the series has to offer.

Aside from the quarry, the video above also provides a brief look at an industrial district, a new spillway and a new area dubbed ~~3rd & Army~~ ~~1st & Air Force~~ 2nd & Navy.

Latest Skate 3 dev diary shreds the industrial park, quarry originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skate 3 dev diary explains the origins of Port Carverton

David Hinkle — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 20:00:00 EST

When Skate 3 was revealed, we didn't know what to make of the change in venue. The third installment takes place in the fictional skateboarding paradise of Port Carverton and, as the above developer's diary informs, it's actually a homage to recently-deceased colleague Ron "Mad Carver" Hartley. He's even got his own in-game memorial, which we think is a great way to be remembered.

When we go, we hope somebody cares enough to at least hold on to the newspaper clipping about that one blog that lost its life defending the earth from the hordes of Raptormen who'll eventually enslave us all in 2022.

Skate 3 dev diary explains the origins of Port Carverton originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skate and Brave: A Warrior's Tale added to Games on Demand

David Hinkle — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:45:00 EST

You know, we were just thinking that we'd love to be able to go back in time and check out Brave: A Warrior's Tale. Thankfully, Major Nelson informs us the game has just been added to Games on Demand for $30, so we don't have to take apart that DeLorean in our back yard. It's joined by Skate, which will set you back a much more pleasant $20 and features far less in-your-face advertising than the latest entry in the series.

Shortcut: Add Brave: A Warrior's Tale to your queue [Xbox.com]
Shortcut: Add Skate to your queue [Xbox.com]

Skate and Brave: A Warrior's Tale added to Games on Demand originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pre-order Skate 3, get Black Box Skate Park

David Hinkle — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 17:45:00 EST

While most of Skate 3's marketing SLAVE has focused on the team-driven aspects of the game -- a campaign which is admittedly only two trailers deep -- today's video update provides a THRASHER glimpse at a pre-order incentive: Black Box Skate Park. It's an underground FALLEN, industrial-looking warehouse enclosure home to various pipes, ledges, and curved surfaces -- a place where lots of skateboarding can be done. Check it out in the ZERO trailer above.

Gallery: Skate 3

Pre-order Skate 3, get Black Box Skate Park originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Team up and watch this new Skate 3 trailer

Randy Nelson — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:45:00 EST

EA's new Skate 3 trailer touts team-play as the stand-out addition to the franchise. The new element allows players to tackle challenges and compete against other teams online for popularity within the Skate.Feed community. Of course, it's just as easy to become unpopular, too -- just ask the guy in the short shorts.

EA Black Box is once again handling the development of the game, building on the, um, building features of Skate 2. The studio is working to greatly improve the film maker and skate park editor, as well as adding new features such as an in-game and web-based "social network," plus the ability to seamlessly share parks, board designs and other user-created content a la Forza 3's storefront.

Skate 3 is due in May 2010 for PS3 and Xbox 360.

Gallery: Skate 3

Team up and watch this new Skate 3 trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skate 3 throws down in May 2010

David Hinkle — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 09:39:00 EST

The rumor is true: Skate 3 will hit the streets next May. But this time around, EA's skateboarding franchise takes the action outside of San Vanelona, bringing players to the new town of Port Carverton. That isn't the only new thing the third installment offers, however, as the press release promises players will be able to team up and form skate crews to "complete challenges together while advancing each other's careers." This even includes new challenges in the Hall of Meat and an all-new Skate school for players of all skill levels.

EA is also promoting the Skate Create feature suite, an "innovative toolset that empowers gamers to truly express their skate style by creating their own graphics, videos, and skate parks," which should be available both online and offline. And if you find yourself extra anxious to fork over money for the game well before its release, a pre-order bonus in an in-game area called Black Box Distribution Skate Park should tickle your fancy. This area is none other than the "home turf of Zero, Mystery, and Fallen skate teams."

Skate 3 will be available on Xbox 360 and PS3 in May 2010.

Skate 3 throws down in May 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 09:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Skate 3 in the works

David Hinkle — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EST

Apparently EA is working on a sequel to Skate 2, if the Epicly Trife twitter is to be believed. Epicly Trife (NSFW) is a site dedicated to skating, and its twitter account said the following: "I just got told 'tonight we gotta celebrate,' one of the bro's got offered to be in SKATE 3." By no means a confirmation, we're still excited, as Skate 2 was not only a great sequel, but pretty much the best skating sim around. Plus, it's much easier to get up after falling down four flights of stairs in a video game, as gravity is a much more harsh mistress in real life.

We've put in word to EA for comment, but with almost everyone taking the day off today, don't hold your breath for a response. We sure aren't.

[Via Kotaku]

Rumor: Skate 3 in the works originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skate 2 getting custom soundtracks today

Majed Athab — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:00:00 EST

Skate 2 may offer some excellent variety with its 50+ song soundtrack, but sometimes you just feel like skating to your own tunes. Developer EA Black Box knows this and has announced that it is finally patching custom soundtracks into the PS3 version of the game.

The update, which releases today, will include some minor bug fixes, removal of exploits and other adjustments. You can check out the full list of fixes after the break. Also, for the first song on your custom soundtrack ... go with some real hardcore thrash metal.

Continue reading Skate 2 getting custom soundtracks today

Skate 2 getting custom soundtracks today originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skate 2's new 'Classic San Van' DLC is old hat

David Hinkle — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 18:01:00 EST

Those of you who find yourself reminiscing about the "good ole days" of the first Skate game, we've got something you'll likely be interested in: EA has unleashed a new DLC pack for Skate 2 called "Classic San Van." Featuring a variety of locales from the first game, Skate 2 players will now be able to shred it up in classic spots such as the Parkade (yes!), the School (italicized yes!), and the Community Center (bold yes!), all while utilizing the new tricks found in the sequel. The DLC even places some objects for you to move around in each area, as you can see in the video above.

Skate 2's "Classic San Van" DLC pack is available now on Xbox Live Marketplace and PSN for 400 and $4.99, respectively.

Gallery: Skate 2

Skate 2's new 'Classic San Van' DLC is old hat originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Take a video tour of Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Plaza in Skate 2

David Hinkle — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 02:00:00 EST

EA was kind enough to send over this trailer for the new Skate 2 DLC, Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Plaza. As you can see in the video above, it provides plenty of areas to get your shred on. One of the things we like about this DLC is its lack of vert areas. We're street skaters here at The Stiq.

Gallery: Skate 2 DLC Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Plaza

Take a video tour of Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Plaza in Skate 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Feb 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skate 2 introduces 'Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Plaza' DLC [update]

David Hinkle — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 11:40:00 EST

Update: EA has dished out some screens for the DLC. Hit up the gallery below to check them out.

Unless you wanted to unlock everything the easy way or cut some awesome videos, there hasn't been much support in the way of DLC for us Skate 2 fans. That is, until now, as EA has unveiled Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Plaza for the game.

The new bit of DLC is available today on PSN and XBLM for $5.00 and 400, respectively, and allows skaters to blunt slide and manual around the centerpiece of Rob's MTV show, Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory, as well as the surrounding downtown Los Angeles area. Rob was pretty impressed with Black Box's job of recreating the space in the game, as he comments it has all of "the ledges, gaps and rails" of his showpiece, and "more surprises outside the park that both gamers and skaters will enjoy."

So who's going to shred up Rob's Fantasy Plaza?

Gallery: Skate 2 DLC Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Plaza

Skate 2 introduces 'Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Plaza' DLC [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Metareview -- Skate 2 (360, PS3)

Justin McElroy — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 09:54:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360, Sports

True story: We were going to review Skate 2 ourselves, but we ... no, not we ... I, I Justin McElroy sucked too bad at it to review it. I don't know if my thumbs are just too stupid or what, but as a long-time Tony Hawk fan, I found it hard not to pine for a game that let me press one button and automagically grind on a space dinosaur's boner.

Here's what more qualified people had to say:

GamePlayer (95/100):"Skate 2 is a brilliant game. For the most part it takes the fantastic template laid down in the original and injects it with a smartly integrated new move-set, an exciting world to rip to shreds, and the same addictive, unquestionably stylish gameplay which saw the Tony Hawk series bolt for the hills."
Totally 360 (90/100): "Overall the development team should be commended for making another excellent skating title. Everything runs really smoothly and it seems to have come together really well. The new features add on to what was already a fun experience with the original."
IGN (83/100): "Technically an improvement over the first title, and anyone who hadn't yet played the original should skip it and go right to the second. It's a really fun game that allows you to play it the way you want with a control scheme that is second-to-none at the moment. However, it's far from perfect.
GamePro (80/100): "The first Skate was a refreshing take on virtual skateboarding, so expectations were high for this one. Maybe they were a little too high: Skate 2 doesn't quite deliver the revolutionary skating experience that we were all hoping it would be."

Source -- Metacritic: Skate 2 (Xbox 360)
Source -- Metacritic: Skate 2 (PS3)

Metareview -- Skate 2 (360, PS3) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 09:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Underachievement: EA selling 'unlock everything' DLC for Skate 2

Randy Nelson — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 22:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360, Sports

It won't instill gamers with the same red-faced anger as EA's fizzled plan to offer for-pay weapons in Battlefield: Bad Company; instead, the newly released "Time is Money Pack" for Skate 2 will simply make those who buy it feel varying degrees of guilt, regret and perhaps even fear. That's because, for 400 ($5) on XBLM or $4.99 on the PlayStation Store, owners of the game can literally pay their way past the effort it would take to unlock everything in the game.

The "everything" in question includes "all locations, skaters and gear that can be earned by playing through Skate 2's career and online modes," according to the DLC's description. So, basically, you're paying for access to content that's already in the game. Or, to put it another way, you're paying five bucks for a cheat code. A downloadable code, if you will. Next thing you know, people will be paying for good grades and -- who knows -- even Senate seats. Oh, wait ...

[Via X3F]

Underachievement: EA selling 'unlock everything' DLC for Skate 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 22:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skate 2 demo arrives on PlayStation Store next week

Andrew Yoon — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:18:00 EST

Filed under: PlayStation Store

EA's Skate 2 will be arriving on the PlayStation Store next week. Strange, considering the demo is available on Xbox Live this week. Maybe EA is playing console favorites again? (PSN has been home to demos of Lord of the Rings Conquest, The Simpsons Game and others earlier than on Xbox Live.) Regardless of the one week delay, PS3 fans can expect a lot to do in the demo, especially as it includes access to two online "Party Play" modes: Thrasher's Hall of Meat and Spot Battle.

Skate 2 demo arrives on PlayStation Store next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Trophies: Skate 2

Andrew Yoon — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Trophies

Get ready to revisit the world of skate. Make sure you get some post-op sex surgery in order to get a Platinum. Confused? Read on.

View Trophy List | Visit Trophy Portal

Continue reading Trophies: Skate 2

Trophies: Skate 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skate devs have a plan to not be like Tony Hawk

Dustin Burg — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 12:15:00 EST

Filed under: News

In the digital world of skating video games, there are two contenders. EA's Skate franchise which has a sequel coming out next year and Tony Hawk, a franchise that has kinda lost its luster over the years. Recognizing this, the Skate 2 devs are adamant about not being like Mr. Hawk.

Talking with MTV Multiplayer, Skate 2 associate producer Shaun Laker made it clear that they aren't going down the same path that the Tony Hawk franchise did, avoiding such fate by simply listening to their community. "As long as we keep putting out great games and don't rush it out and polish it and make sure we're listening to the community and hearing what they're having to say [we will avoid that]," explained Laker, adding "we listen to the community and know what they're asking for and respond to that."

Keeping a franchise fresh by listening to a game's passionate community, implementing changes and serving up a polished product. Who would have thought something like that would work?

Skate devs have a plan to not be like Tony Hawk originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joystiq hands-on: Skate 2

Andrew Yoon — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360

After years of tired Tony Hawk sequels, 2007's Skate was a refreshing change of pace. Black Box's interpretation of the sport was a far more realistic one. The innovative "flick" control scheme better emulated the experience of performing ollies, nollies, grabs and assorted flip tricks. Players were dropped into the fictional city of San Vanelona, a massive virtual playground where anything and everything could become the starting point of a skating line. So how will Black Box attempt to improve the experience in its follow-up, Skate 2? By giving you new things to do without your skateboard.

Skate 2 no longer glues your character to the board. With a simple press of a button, you can get off your board and start exploring the environment. New San Vanelona is a mix of old and new, and the city begs to be explored. No longer will you have to attempt to "glitch" the system to get to interesting skate points. You'll be able to walk up a set of stairs, for example. You'll be able to jump on top of a ledge. It's a simple addition, but it allows the world to be explored in far greater depth than before.

Gallery: Skate 2

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: Skate 2

Joystiq hands-on: Skate 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skate 2 lands a January release date

Andrew Yoon — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 11:10:00 EST

Filed under: News

Remember not to spend all your money during Black Friday -- a good number of games are scheduled to release in the first part of 2009. Skate 2, EA's follow-up to 2007's innovative skateboarding game, is making a return to the PS3 on January 21st (23rd in Europe).

There are a couple of big new features in Skate 2, like the ability to get off one's board and traverse to areas previous inaccessible. Skaters can grab objects and set up new, crazy lines down their favorite routes. In addition, an online graphics creator gives you the ability to add your own custom textures to your boards. Pre-order the game to get access to the "Throwback Pack," a collection of retro accessories and clothing.

Skate 2 lands a January release date originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skate 2 to grind North American retail shelves January 21

Jason Dobson — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360, Sports

Just as your head begins to clear from downing your seventh pitcher of holiday eggnog, Electronic Arts announced plans to push off and catch a mad vert when Skate 2 nails its retail landing in January. The sequel will do a frontside 360 in North America on January 21, while skateboarders elsewhere will be able to get their trick on two days later on January 23.

Next month EA will also launch a Skate 2 web application, creatively titled "Graphics Creator," which will let players create customized graphics for their in-game decks and clothing. Additionally, would-be shredders in North America who pre-order Skate 2 will grab a code to unlock a "Throwback Pack" that will allow access to retro accessories, gestures and clothing. When you bail from a botched nosegrind, at least you'll look good in your Skate or Die shirt.

Skate 2 to grind North American retail shelves January 21 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skate It on November 19

Ludwig Kietzmann — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Nintendo DS, Nintendo Wii, Sports

Those looking to roll down the streets of San Vanelona and perform some flips, ollies and [error: skateboarding lexicon gap] via nontraditional controllers should be pleased to note the release date of EA's Skate It for Wii and DS. Both versions are slated to arrive on November 19th in North America and November 20th in Europe.

Skate It, which offers optional Balance Board control on the Wii, allows players to "make skate spots their own by moving objects like ramps, rails, and benches to fit their individual skating styles" and partake in several multiplayer challenges, including Best Trick and Best Line. There's also the ominous-sounding chance of "getting worked in Hall of Meat." Pennywise, are you in this after all?

Gallery: Skate It (Wii)

Skate It on November 19 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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